Alain Merrick

[Aguirre666]

-Opening-

Member's Discord Name (include nicknames): Quiescence666

Password 1: Black Hole

Password 2: Moon Pray

Type: "X" (working towards Genius)

Squad: Squad 12

Rank: Shinigami Hopeful/Academy Student (Class 8, Rank 1, Training Tier)

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-Basic Information-

Name: Alain Merrick

Age of Death: 25

Real Age/Age of Appearance: 171 / Early 20s

Birthday (Month/Day): March 10

Blood Type: O-

RP Sample (Optional):

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-Appearance-

Height/Weight: 6'4" / 195 lbs

Physical Description: When Alain Merrick strides into a room with his upright posture, his steps are purposeful and deliberate. As you brush by his person, it’s clear that his lightly tanned body is suited for power and speed. From the broad shoulders and six-pack abs to his muscled arms and legs, the figure that he cuts is striking. A well-honed balance of the muscular and the lean, his training is obvious. Though despite his tall stature and resolute demeanor, he lacks any sense of the intimidating.

If you lock eyes from across the room, you catch a glimpse of dark, sky blue globes, most likely framed behind a pair of thin-rimmed glasses with oval lenses. Further glances reveal a thoughtful intelligence, but only to the most observant. Otherwise, the wavy, neck-length, dark brown hair begins to obscure the features of his oval-shaped face as it falls loosely to the sides.

Alain always chooses the seat furthest from others in order to avoid unnecessary talk. Nevertheless, someone inevitably summons the nerve to approach his table and strike up a conversation. They often find him lost in thought while stroking the short, neatly trimmed goatee which dots his chin. An awkward pause later, Alain finally responds. His tone is even and carries little emotion. Likewise, the words depart his lips at a slow pace and low volume. These talks rarely last more than a few minutes before they seek out more cheerful company.

Most people are accustomed to seeing Alain in his immaculate Shinigami robes which are absent of sleeves. However, it’s rare to find him in off duty attire. If you do get the opportunity, then you see garb consisting of a knee-length haori in any dark color along with a hakama of the same hue. Both garments are worn over a kimono of white. One notable exception to his normal off duty attire is a long, brown leather coat which he acquired from the human world. This is always paired with blue jeans and a t-shirt. The last thing that others notice is a slight hint of peppermint and lavender while in his presence. This is a remnant from how his clothing is laundered.

There are three other items which are always in Merrick’s possession. Around his neck, he wears a white beaded necklace with a gold locket in the shape of a book. He also carries a journal. It’s either tucked within the sash of his robes on the right hip or somewhere in his upper robes. Finally, he wears his zanpakuto on the left hip. The sheath is blue while the hilt bears a blue and white cloth wrapping in criss-cross pattern. The hilt also boasts two tassel cords, one blue and one white.

Merrick’s reiatsu is like a gentle wind. When released, his body emanates a two-tone reiatsu of blue and white reminiscent of a swirling sky while conveying a sense of calm. There’s a noticeable lack of the oppressive during release, a combination of natural and practiced restraint. During these times, individuals would only feel the pressure of a cool summer breeze, but at its peak, it becomes a fierce gale.

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-Personality-

Dislikes:
- Noise & Distraction - As an individual who prides himself on intellectual pursuits, anything that hinders this process is a problem.  Thus, Merrick cannot stand loud noises or any other boisterous activity in his presence which could distract from his work. "I cannot stand this abominable racket any longer. I am going to the library."

- Flirtatious Behavior - "Nothing but sluts, whores, and harlots." Loose women of low moral character with their dishonest affections. Despite a general air of indifference, he dislikes individuals prone to this behavior.  A bit of a mamma's boy, he was raised by two strong women of class, in life and un-life.  The experience left its mark, illustrating what a woman should be and ultimately became the basis against whom he would judge all others of the fairer sex.

- Stupidity - People find comfort and familiarity in what they know.  Alain is an intelligent man.  As a result, he has little to no tolerance for people who are unable to keep up with his mental prowess.  He simply does not have the time to constantly explain matters to slower folk. "Are you an idiot?"

- Combat & Lovers of Combat - Merrick finds fighting to be boring and a waste of time. He finds nothing wrong with the act itself, but he questions the motives, intelligence and sanity of anyone who enjoys it.

- Physical Contact - "Please do not touch me." Nor should one invade his personal space. Physical contact leads to emotional connection and that is something which he never wants again because it also leads to losing said connection. This only became a problem after the death of his guardian.

- Wasting Time - There's nothing worse than wasting time, his or another's. He has too much left in life to accomplish and not a moment can be spared for things which won't further his goals. "I am busy. Now leave me alone."

- Alcohol & Drugs - Somewhat related to flirtatious behavior and stupidity. Alcohol and drugs dull the senses and impair rational thought. And one should always be rational. Likewise, drunks and drug addicts can't stop themselves from being boisterous and annoying.

- Laziness - More of a pet peeve than a true dislike. As long as one's laziness doesn't affect him, he doesn't really care what one does.

- Physical Harm - Alain has no problem with fighting as a last resort and when it's absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, he's not fond of inflicting bodily harm on others and having it inflicted upon him is even worse. "What kind of a fool enjoys hurting others. Imbeciles."

- Pain - "I do not need pain to feel alive. That is a foolish notion." Merrick hates to experience pain, both physical and mental. While not completely driven by pain avoidance, it does play a part in his decision-making. It's certainly why he would never be a part of any combat intensive division.

- Relying on Others - "Why would I need anyone's help?" If something can be done by oneself, then it should be. Involving others is just asking for disaster. No one can know another as well as they know themselves. As such, Merrick knows what and what not to expect from himself. He knows his limits. Adding anyone else to the mix is adding an unknown variable unnecessarily.

- Nobility/Elitism - While he likes very few people for one reason or another, he still believes that no one is better than another. Sure, someone can be a stronger swordsman, but being stronger with a blade doesn't make them a better person. No one is more guilty of this attitude than the nobility. "Their time will come. I just hope I am around to see it."

- Profanity/Vulgarity - Foul language and sexual talk are unacceptable for public consumption and he wants no part of it or the people who partake in such uncouth behavior. "This isn't Deadwood."

- Mess - Messy people. Messy environments. He holds no fondness for either. Is it so much to ask for things to be at least a little presentable. He thinks not. "I cannot work in this pig sty."

Likes:
- Peace & Quiet - Ever the studious individual, he prefers any environment which leads to maximum production and efficiency. Unfortunately, those places are rare within Seireitei, but at least he can always get lost in his own head when the outside world becomes too much. "Finishing my sanctuary should be my top priority, but I suppose the forests will suffice for now."

- Solitude - Merrick is never more comfortable than when he is alone. There is no one around to district him or make noise. Work proceeds unmolested. Unfortunately, there's also a downside to such times of repose. The memories. In those silent moments, they return unbidden. "At least no one will see me cry."

- Music - He developed an appreciation of music during his time with surrogate mother, Josephine. Following her death and during his travels, he acquired a guitar and has played ever since.

- Patience - Even though he might display questionable tolerance at times, he's generally a patient person. It's an invaluable trait as a scientist because one can't solve a problem on the first time all of the time.

- Strong Work Ethic - Alain wasn't blessed with great talent. He got where he is today through hard work alone and has a begrudging respect for others who have done the same. Anyone who was given their title or position is another matter entirely.

- Logic/Intelligence - Merrick can't relate to people of low intelligence or those who fail to use logic as a guiding principle. Thus, if he has to be around be at all, he seeks to surround himself with like-minded individuals. "Never act on instinct or emotion."

- Curiosity/Knowledge - If people were to know one thing about Merrick above all else, it would be his insatiable thirst for knowledge. Innately curious, he can often be found in either the library or the lab. In addition, he has an appreciation for anything new. "Is that a gadget from the research department?"

- Directness - "If you have something to say, then say it." Alain doesn't have time to beat around the bush. He's going to speak his mind whether you like it or not, so others might as well do the same. In his opinion, life would be much easier if people dropped the facades and showed who they really were.

Flaws:
- Lack of Social Skills/Tact - Alain has spent decades on his own with little to no interaction with others. As such, he is unfamiliar or at least unpracticed when it comes to social niceties. This has led to a forthright manner which holds little regard for the emotions of others.

- Brutal Honesty - Merrick is as honest as Abe, never telling a lie. However, it doesn't mean that he tells everything he knows. He rarely reveals as much as he can. Nevertheless, he won't be sparing feelings when he speaks. "You only have your lack of skill to blame."

- Overly-Cautious - Due to analytical mindset, he likes to ponder about any and all issues in order to determine the best course of action. Unfortunately, this becomes a problem when a quick response is necessary, leading to a measure of indecision.

- Selfishness/Introversion/Apathy - Merrick doesn't really care about other people or their feelings. He's only concerned with his goals and how to accomplish them. Also, it's perfectly acceptable to use others to further those ends and not provide anything in return.

Habits:
- Contractions - Merrick doesn't speak or write contractions.

- Notebook - Never knowing when the brilliant spark of an ideal will strike, he always carries at least one notebook on his person to jot things down. Anything contained within would be benign while the really important information would be hidden away from prying eyes.

- Direct Nature/Never First - Alain usually only responds to direct questions in conversation, volunteering no more information beyond what was asked.
Likewise, he rarely speaks first with anyone.

- Risk Aversion - Because he fears things like death and failure, he always tries to minimize risk to his person, both mental and physical.

Fears:
- Death - "Dying would be worse. Because well, honestly, it is isn't it. Dying's just worse." Alain couldn't care less about things like legacy, but death is truly the end of everything. No more study. No more curiosity. No more knowledge. No more of the things that makes him Alain Merrick.

- Loss - Merrick lived 100 years in the Rukongai with his surrogate mother until she died to a mysterious illness. This loss broke him and was the event most responsible in creating the person he is today. This includes not allowing others close to him so as not to experience such loss a second time. As a result, no knows him on a deeply personal anymore, but he subconsciously and perhaps consciously craves such a bond again. "Do I truly desire to be alone?"

- Failure - As a scientist, failure can be a part of everyday life. What worries him is when that failure becomes permanent. To never discover the right solution would be a crushing blow to one who believes hard work and time can solve anything. "Failure is not an option."

Goals:
- Graduate from the Academy.
- Discover the cause of Josephine’s illness. Find a cure.
- Master Zanjutsu.
- Develop Shikai and Bankai.
- Continue learning new things.
- Find a companion.
- Build a personal lab/workstation.
- Learn to manipulate time.

Alignment: Passive Good

Overall Personality: Innately inquisitive, nearly everything about Alain Merrick speaks to his desire to learn. He enjoys to read and study, but always with a purpose in mind rather than for pleasure. When he is engaged in conversation or any other activity, he always takes the time to carefully consider the best choice of words or course of action. Over the years, Merrick has learned that the path of knowledge is often a singular pursuit, one which he walks alone. As a result, it's rare to see him in the company of others. He prefers the ease and efficiency of working on his own, but his new life as a Shinigami requires increased interaction.

Alain is a man motivated by fear. In life, and death, he has suffered losses which hurt him deeply. To prevent the pain of further loss, he doesn't allow anyone to get close. This has created a guarded person who is emotionally distanced from others. Loss has also spawned an obsession with control and change. Due to his inability to accept the death of his surrogate mother, he now seeks to control every aspect of his life. If he encounters something which he can’t control, then he seeks to change it into a controllable form. He truly believes that knowledge is power, but also the vehicle through which he can enact control.

Professionally, Alain enjoys the life of a Shinigami. While it takes time away from his own goals, the resources and knowledge provided by the Gotei are an acceptable trade-off. Likewise, he functions well with the routine of a military organization. He knows what has to be done and when it needs to be accomplished. This strict and ordered operation is similar to the way he patterns his own life. In addition, his hardworking and earnest manner are well-suited to success within the Gotei despite not being overly concerned with personal advancement.

Merrick doesn’t have friends, but acquaintances. After struggling most of his life to connect with others, he has started to become aware that people view him as aloof or apathetic. Whether it's his subtle sense of humor, his direct manner of speech, or the inability to find common ground, he has done little to dissuade others of their opinions. However, Alain wants to change. This is best demonstrated by his desire to find an emotional connection to fill the void left by the death of his guardian. Unfortunately, he has noticed a manipulative streak within himself. Likely born of his desire to find a companion, he now questions whether any future relationship will be genuine or a function of his unintended manipulations

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-Powers-

Fighting Style: The best style of fighting is one where you never have to fight. This would be Merrick’s preferred method. Still, he’s no coward. Here merely finds the idea of fighting to be distasteful to his intellectual sensibilities. At best, combat would be an inexact problem solving method and for one who cares very much about the correct answer, it’s unacceptable. Fortunately, he’s no fool. He realizes that combat is an inevitable part of the world, but this doesn’t mean that he has to like it or in most cases, even participate. Regrettably, this philosophy doesn’t work all of the time. It’s fine with his fellow Shinigami and most humans, but not all races are capable of being reasonable. These are the encounters that he detests.

One of the reasons for his distaste of combat is the conflict which it creates within him. On the one hand, he would like a hasty resolution so he could return to the things that truly matter. Also, he just doesn’t like fighting. On the other hand, his analytical mind struggles with his natural approach to methodically analyze things. This leads to being over-cautious and potentially indecisive which could prove fatal in fights to the death. So he doesn’t really rush in or he intentionally to drag things out. It’s become more of a wait and see philosophy whereby he’ll strike hard and fast, but only when the opening presents itself. Nevertheless, it always feels like he’s fighting two battles simultaneously when combat occurs, the one in the real world and then one within his head.

When all efforts to avoid a fight have been exhausted, he will reluctantly enter the fray employing a style that tries to hold to his beliefs and personality. First among them would be his aversion to pain and physical contact. As such, he begins at a distance from his opponent and will try to maintain it throughout a fight. In an unreleased state, this would involve a multitude of kido utilized at range with a preference towards bakudo. Should he be fortunate enough to securely immobilize his foe, then he would swiftly advance and eliminate them with his zanpakuto. The reason why he often forgoes hado, which would maintain distance, is because he has yet to acquire the necessary precision to strike the enemy with the same efficacy as his blade. Obviously, there are exceptions. If bakudo fails or he requires a more expansive offensive attack, then he’ll use a suitable hado.

Unfortunately, there are times when kido isn’t effective or at least not effective enough to determine the outcome. These are the confrontations that Merrick hates the most because they require a more close quarters approach which open himself to greater harm and pain. On these occasions, he falls back on his skill with zanjutsu, choosing it over the hakuda. It would seem like the obvious choice since he’s weaker in the latter art, but even if it weren’t true, he would still favor zanjutsu and the additional few feet that the blade provides.

In truth, he’s always held a bit of fascination with the sword, certainly more so than with kido and this is despite his proclivities towards nonviolence, risk aversion and a dislike of pain. So when he’s forced to fight in this manner, he does so with surprising ease even though he’s only scratching the surface of his potential as his skills continue to develop. Whether the blade is held with one hand or two doesn’t matter. He’s comfortable with both and would choose according to the situation in which he finds himself. Likewise, he’s creeping towards ambidexterity with a slight imbalance towards the right hand being stronger at present.

This along with a cautious nature has led to the incorporation of dual wielding into his overall combat style. While holding the unreleased zanpakuto in one hand, he places the sheath in the other as he attempts to maintain the ability to defend himself while attacking. The concept is even more prevalent in his released form when the sheath is replaced by a second weapon. Again, it’s not a certainty that he will fight in this way, but more of a natural tendency if and when all determining factors are equal.

Fighting is never fun, but it’s even worse when facing a group. Alain avoids group combat at all costs. One on one is the ideal situation. Well, outnumbering the opponent is the true ideal, but he’ll begrudgingly accept a one on one confrontation with little complaint. If he does have to fight more than a single foe at one time, he would take a more defensive posture while trying to negate the disadvantage. Releasing his zanpakuto would probably be a given, but he still wouldn’t act with reckless aggression. In the opposing situation where he is among allies and outnumbering the enemy, he would try to avoid the fight entirely and only involve himself out of self-preservation.

Ultimately, Merrick’s only goal in combat is survival. He doesn’t care if he wins or loses as long as he’s still breathing at the end. Of course he hopes to accomplish this with as little pain having been inflicted on his person as possible, preferably none. Also, just as the result is unimportant, the steps taken to ensure that survival is also immaterial. Run and hide? “Sure, if the situation calls for it.” Dirty tricks? “Absolutely.” Fight with honor? “Ha. Honor is for suckers. It matters little to the dead.”

Zanpakutou Spirit Appearance(Optional): Aleith’Sor is a formless entity of malleable life energy. Much like the wind, it’s an unrestrained spirit of friendly and outgoing disposition that likes to flaunt its ability to change form. When it speaks, the voice is often boisterous with the hint of an echo. The booming sound is capable of reaching Alain no matter where he happens to be within the inner world. The spirit’s tone rarely deviates from the jovial. Merrick always finds himself trying to reconcile the seriousness of what his spirit says with the manner in which it’s delivered.

The spirit’s appearance can be ever-changing, but there are three forms which are most prevalent. First, there’s a young girl with wavy blond hair and glowing wings. She wears a white ankle length dress and a blue wrap draped around her waist and shoulder. Next, there’s an elderly woman with a reddish-brown hooded shawl and a brown dress in the medieval Saxon style. Finally, his spirit seems to like taking the form of a small, snowy white dove.

The zanpakuto spirit represents Alain’s boundless potential to become whatever he desires. The formless entity also represents an indecisive nature and the stagnant state of his soul which has been frozen since the death of his guardian. Should Alain come to terms with the experiences of his past, then he will begin to realize his full potential. Aleith’Sor seeks to smooth out the rough edges of his personality which have hindered his ability to grow. Games, tests, and verbal sparring are a few of the ways in which his spirit attempts to impart wisdom and life lessons.

Inner World(Optional): Alain’s inner world is a vast reddish-brown desert which stretches endlessly in all directions. During the day, a scorching sun hangs high overhead, but at night is replaced by a cool, radiant moon. Rock formations of various sizes dot the horizon. Likewise, the occasional tree can be found, but it’s the most sparse and pitiful example of life. Animals seem nonexistent as none can be found scurrying along the ground or soaring in the sky. The only sounds are the whistling of the wind and the shifting of sand. As Alain evolves, the inner world also experiences minor changes. However, the initial state of the world exemplifies Alain’s feelings of emptiness and loneliness. The world is a blank canvas. Alain is similarly indistinct without truly realizing it. Despite a few specific goals, he leads a largely directionless existence. In addition, the lack of strong emotions display a sense of homogeneity within Alain that is typical of a desert. No matter which direction one looks, the view is always the same.

Zanpakutou Appearances: Alain’s unreleased zanpakuto is the standard katana, but with a blade that is longer by ten to twelve inches. The blade is held within an unadorned sheath with blue body while the tip and opening are black. The one element of ornamentation is a small image of flying birds which is etched onto both sides of the sheath, just below the opening. The cross-guard is rectangular in shape while black and gold in color. It also bears the flying birds motif. The hilt is covered in blue and white cloth which has been wrapped in a criss-cross pattern. A small hole in the base of the hilt serves as an attachment location for two tassel cords, one blue and one white.

Zanapkutou Release Names(Include both Shikai and Bankai names, and call out phrases) Shihai Shiro, Mushiki Konborishi / Ban-Kai!!

Overall Ability:

Shikai Overall Ability:

Bankai Overall Ability:

Zanpakuto Techniques: [Generate below. Include powers and weaknesses.]

Other Techniques:

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Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio

Current Residence: Seireitei Academy Dormitories

Memorable Figures:
- Cara Merrick (human mother)
- Josephine O'Connor (surrogate mother in Soul Society)

History: Alain Merrick was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 10th 1848 to John and Cara Merrick. He was the youngest of 3 siblings, all boys, and the last child that Cara would conceive. His father was a history professor at Case Western Reserve University. His mother was a local seamstress.

As children of a college professor, the brothers had a scholastic upbringing where frivolity was severely frowned upon. This meant that there was little time for interaction with peers or engaging in typical children’s activities. For Alain and his brothers, there was always something else which needed to be read or studied. This was difficult for young Alain, but as he grew older, he began to appreciate what his father was trying to impart and grew to love learning.

By the time he was thirteen, Alain’s life had become routine. Formal schooling was combined with his father’s tutelage in the hopes that Alain would one day follow in his footsteps and become a professor. All plans changed in 1861 with the outbreak of the civil war. Never one to shy away from duty, patriotic or otherwise, John Merrick prepared for war. The two oldest sons would also return from college to enlist. Alain was eager to join the men having read numerous texts which romanticized war. Unfortunately, he was too young. So when the time came for his father and brothers to head off to war, his job was to become man of the house.

In June of 1862, tragedy struck. A letter arrived informing the Merrick household of terrible news. John Sr. had died in battle. His oldest brother, James, was badly injured and unlikely to survive. Finally, John Jr. was missing. The blow to Alain and his mother was tremendous. In the days that followed, both struggled find a way to move forward. What could either do when so far removed from events. This sentiment became the seed for an idea. Alain sat in his room and penned a letter to his mother detailing his intentions. His goal was to locate John Jr. and bring him home. If he could retrieve his father’s body for burial and bring James home, then that would be ideal. Sadly, Alain didn’t have a clue how best to accomplish this task. After careful deliberation, only one avenue seemed available to him. On July 12th 1862, Alain departed home to join the American Civil War. His mother would find his letter days later.

It wasn't long into his first year that he saw the true horrors of war and how false the books had been. There was little heroic to be found on the battlefield despite the bravery that he often witnessed. In order to cope and survive the ordeal, he had to adapt and adapt he did. At fourteen years of age, four years below the minimum age requirement of a soldier, Alain would serve in a variety of capacities tangential to the battlefield. For the next three years, he would be employed as a musician, runner, scribe, and surgeon’s assistant. There were even a few tense moments when he had been forced to take up arms, but he never knew if he was responsible for taking a life.

Despite his best efforts, his mission was a failure. He never recovered his father’s body, James succumbed to his injuries and John Jr. was never found. The only thing left was to deliver the awful news. On July 8th 1865, nearly three years to the day of his departure, Alain returned home to the open arms of his mother. They spent the next year trying to put their lives back together. The loss of his father and two brothers was almost more than he could bear. There were so many times when he wanted to curl up and die. He even considered suicide, but to leave his mother alone in the world, always stayed his hand.

One afternoon, his thoughts had grown particularly dark. Fortunately, this was also the day when he found a number of his father’s personal effects, triggering a revelation. Alain began to recall the teachings of his youth. In this moment, he decided that it was time to move forward and finally honor his father's wishes. He made the necessary arrangements, took the requisite tests and applied for enrollment at Cornell University.

In the fall of 1866, Alain enrolled at Cornell University. From a young age, his father had presented many fields of study. It made the choosing of a single discipline all the more difficult. On one hand, he wanted to honor his father with an emphasis in history. However, his experience as a surgeon’s assistant had left an indelible mark, sparking an interest in medicine. He ultimately decided to pursue both fields, but with an emphasis on medicine and science. He felt that this choice would allow him to help the most people after the war.

Alain graduated from Cornell University in 1870 and immediately entered the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. Due to the rigors of his chosen profession and the recurring negative effects of the war, he remained a single man. This led to a closer relationship with his mother whom he would often visit. During one of these trips, Alain fell victim to unfortunate circumstances. The day was November 24th 1873. While tending family affairs at the local bank, two men wearing grey pinstripe suits and felt fedoras attempted to rob the place. With faces hidden behind black kerchiefs, they began waving guns around, forcing everyone to the floor. While one robber controlled the crowd, the other led the bank manager to the vault. A local officer of the law had been patrolling the streets and happened to pass by. When looking through the window, he saw patrons on the floor and surmised that a crime was in process. The policeman quickly burst through the door, opening fire on the first unsuspecting robber. Frightened customers began shouting as they tried to escape through the front door. The second criminal soon joined his partner and also opened fire. Within seconds, one robber and the cop were down. Then everything went black. Merrick couldn’t see or feel his limbs. Something wasn’t right.

Once his vision returned, he found himself standing beside his body which was face down on the floor. He was bleeding from a bullet wound to the temple. A few feet to the right of his corpse was the body of a bank robber. He suspected that the gunman fired a final bullet while in the midst of his death throes which had struck him in the head. The shock and awe of the moment was so great that he nearly missed the short male figure dressed in black robes with a sword at his hip. He started to ask the stranger a question, but was prevented by the pressure of the sword hilt pressed against his forehead. Alain closed his eyes as if by reflex to the contact with his head. When the blue orbs opened, he found himself standing on an old dirt road in the middle of nowhere with nothing in sight but a mass of trees. His mind was a blank. While walking along the road, he passed numerous people who held the same vacant look which he was certain to have. He knew not where he was and other details were equally lacking.

His silent trek continued for days before he saw something new and different, a horse and carriage. As it drew closer, the quality of the carriage became apparent which made it feel out of place in the sparse environs. The development left him curious so he wasn't paying attention when a passerby accidentally bumped him into the path of the oncoming carriage. The collision left him with a badly injured leg. The occupant exited the cabin and checked his condition. With concern upon her face, she instructed the driver to help him into the carriage. She said her name was Josephine O’Connor and she was taking him to her home. Josephine appeared to be in her 50s. She stood a few inches shy of five foot with a body that was pleasantly plump. Her dull red hair was worn pulled back into a single ponytail which extended to the middle of her back. There were the slightest hints of grey starting to dot the red hair near her temples. Wrinkles had also begun to form at the corners of her light green eyes and along her brow. She no longer bore the smooth skin and glow of youth. It was now being replaced by a hard and rough texture. Nevertheless, she maintained a handsome face despite these advancing years. She would prove to be a tiny force of nature, one which belied her charming Irish lilt.

In the weeks that followed, she nursed him back to health and taught him the things which he couldn't remember. He was in the afterlife which she called Soul Society. Specifically, they were in the ninth district of the Rukongai, an area which she described as being on the border between upper and middle class. Since it was difficult to do anything besides remain in bed, Josephine would spend her days sitting with him. They would chat about all manner of topics as Alain tried to find his footing in this new world. Josephine was becoming part guide, part teacher and part motherly figure. She was the epitome of invaluable. After a few more weeks, Alain was healed and ready to leave. On the morning of his departure, Josephine asked if he wanted to stay. She had grown accustomed to having him around. He felt the same way and graciously accepted her invitation.

As the years passed and their bond grew closer, the relationship transitioned to one of surrogate mother and son. It was when Josephine taught Alain how to read and write that she discovered he had a knack for absorbing information and an eagerness to learn. Like any good parent, she wanted to encourage her child. She began teaching him everything she knew. When she no longer had anything to teach, she would introduce Merrick to neighbors who possessed various skills. This ranged from the business acumen of a merchant peddling his wares to the artisan perfecting their craft. She was overjoyed by her role of the proud mother.

For nearly 100 years, they lived a content life together, but it all came crashing down in 1974 when she was struck by a mysterious illness. The disease didn't kill her, but she was soon bedridden. It seemed as if the life was slowly ebbing from her. Senses remained intact, but she could no longer move her limbs. Not long after falling ill, various doctors and even Shinigami sought to cure her. Although the illness didn't seem contagious, there were others similarly afflicted within the ninth and higher districts. Oddly, there were no cases in any of the lower numbered districts. Finally, Alain decided to take action. His purpose was two-fold. He wanted to investigate the situation firsthand and also learn what he could about medicine. It was difficult to leave her side, but she would be in the care of friends.

Alain would spend the next seven years traveling back and forth between the districts of the Rukongai and Josephine’s bedside. He had just returned home after another fruitless venture. He dropped his belongings at the door and rushed to his mother. As his eyes fell to her lifeless form, he knew no further trips would be possible for fear of not being by her side at the end. Days later, Josephine finally succumbed to the illness which she had battled for nearly a decade. She passed with a smile upon her lips and Alain couldn't understand why. His world had been shattered. Due to his overwhelming sadness, he hastily put her affairs in order and set out again. He would discover a cure for death.

Alain roamed the Rukongai for the next twenty five years in search of anything that could aid in this new endeavor. Years were spent delving into the natural, the philosophical, the mystical and the technological. He studied plants, folk remedies and their potential effects on the body. He sought out wise men and wise women who taught him about concepts like mind over matter. Later he found a group seeking spiritual enlightenment. This was the great beyond after all. God had to exist. If he or she didn't, then perhaps the opposite end of the spectrum held the answer. This led to investigation into the possibility of machine enhancement for the body. He was willing to explore everything, but all avenues ended in failure.

While stopping for a respite after his latest excursion, Alain sat beneath a nearby tree to be alone with his thoughts. He had learned a great deal during his time in Soul Society. However, what he most wanted to know continued to elude him. His thoughts drifted to Josephine as they so often did. A tear ran down his cheek as a few special memories replayed in his mind. He wondered what she would think if she could see him now. A small smile formed upon his lips as he brushed the tear from his cheek. Perhaps the time had come to move on. Leaves and grass swayed in the breeze, but Alain was too preoccupied to realize the absence of wind.


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